Housework 'Helps Cut' Breast Cancer Risk

Housework, brisk walking and gardening can help to cut the risk of developing breast cancer, according to research.

In the largest study of its kind to date, the European Prospective Investigation Of Cancer (Epic), co-funded by Cancer Research UK, found women who take part in moderate to high levels of exercise can reduce the chance of getting breast cancer by up to 13%.

The research looked at the link between diet, lifestyle and the disease in more than 8,000 women who had suffered from breast cancer.

They found those who were the most physically active were 13% less likely to develop the disease compared with those who were physically inactive. Women who took part in moderate exercise had an 8% lower chance of getting breast cancer.

Sarah Williams, from Cancer Research UK , said the evidence bolstered already existing information on the subject.

She said: "This study in itself isn't completely 'new' news but it does fit in very well with what we already know about breast cancer and physical activity, so it's just making that more solid.

"The good news for women is that this research doesn't just look at the time we spend in the gym, it involves anything where you're basically getting a little bit out of breath, getting a bit warm, moderate activity.

"So, while it obviously includes running and cycling, it also includes the gardening, playing football with the kids, anything where you're moving around, it counts."

The Government recommendation is to take part in 150 minutes a week of moderate physical activity. Cancer Research UK says only 39% of men, and 29% of women are doing this.

Professor Tim Key, who is based at the University of Oxford and works on the Epic study, said: "This large study further highlights the benefits of being active - even moderate amounts.

"There is also a lot of evidence that exercise reduces the risk of bowel cancer. More research is needed on other types of cancer, and to investigate the mechanisms which could explain the links."

Researchers are hoping that the success of the Olympics and Paralympics this summer will inspire more people to get up off the couch and do some exercise.

They say keeping active could help prevent more than 3,000 cases of cancer in the UK every year.